DZIDZIO: "Before the Anthem of Ukraine was performed in Kharkov, I called Alexander Ponomaryov"
Another guest of #GOnline project on UAF's Instagram page became a singer DZIDZIO (Michael Homa), who touched the national anthem of Ukraine before the start of the Euro 2020 selection match against the Lithuanian national team in Kharkiv.
- Mykhailo, please tell us what your attitude is to football.
- I am in love with Ukraine and, of course, I love football very much. As a child, he also played with friends during his school years. Especially in the spring, when it was warm outside, we played on the school playground for a long time. I even managed to score goals right from the corner.
- When did you first perform the National Anthem of Ukraine and when did it first take place at the stadium?
- When my father came home with the flag of Ukraine in 1986, we sang it for the first time. As for the stadium, the game with Lithuania in Kharkiv had its premiere. I remember being very worried. I even called Oleksandr Ponomarev and wanted to ask him for advice on how best to do it, because he had such an experience - to sing the anthem before matches. As a result, I put on a suit, and when I arrived at the stadium, I didn't even have time to worry. I wanted to sing in the voice that God gave me.
- What memories are left from this event?
- It was a key turning point in my life. I want to thank Kharkiv, the national team and personally Andriy Vasyliovych Pavelko, who entrusted me with this role. Then, I remember, I was terribly worried about the team in the stands and was very happy when our guys scored goals for the Lithuanians.
- Will you support the national team for Euro 2020?
- Yes of course. At the invitation of the football association, I was offered to play the National Anthem of Ukraine before the matches in the final part of the Euro. UEFA had to answer whether this was possible. We have provided a phonogram that fully meets the necessary requirements.
- How do you feel playing the role of the ambassador of the national team of Ukraine?
- I feel proud and, as a child, I believe that our team is able to win the Euro. I want it to surprise Europe. Of course, the Germans, the French, the Spaniards are top teams, but we are able to play with them on equal terms and win. For my part, I sing before the game so that the ground cracks.
- Do you have a football dream?
- My dream is to personally get an autograph from the head coach of our national team Andriy Shevchenko. He did a great job, raising not only his rating, but glorifying the whole of Ukraine. Andriy Mykolayovych is a great Ukrainian who remains a modest man.